Sylva public meetings in 2023
28 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will conduct a swearing-in ceremony for the Mayor and three Commissioners. The body will also discuss the FY 2022-2023 audit report and the FY 2024-2025 budget calendar.
- Public Restroom Project budget and ordinance amendments
- Oath of Office for Mayor Guy John Phillips, Jr.
- Oath of Office for Commissioners Blitz Estridge, Mark Jones, and Brad Waldrop
- Mayor Pro-Tem appointment
- Fire Department personnel discussion
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will discuss the Bridge Park Green Infrastructure Project, including a budget amendment and a project ordinance amendment. The board will also consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract for the project.
- Bridge Park Green Infrastructure Project budget amendment
- Bridge Park Green Infrastructure Project ordinance amendment
- Resolution authorizing Mayor to sign contract for Bridge Park project
- Scheduling of holiday lunch for December 7, 2023
SUPPLEMENTAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will consider a budget and ordinance amendment for the Downtown Public Restroom Project. The meeting includes a discussion on restroom item valuation and a contract authorization for the Mayor. The Board will also review an electronic re-bid for the Bridge Park Green Infrastructure Project.
- Bridge Park Green Infrastructure Project electronic re-bid approval
- Downtown Public Restroom Project budget and ordinance amendments
- Resolution authorizing Mayor to sign contract for Downtown Public Restroom Project
- Cancellation of November 23 and December 28 Planning Board meetings
- Cancellation of November 23 and December 28 Regular Board of Commissioner meetings
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and discuss a zoning map amendment request. The meeting includes decisions on a board appointment and the Downtown Public Restroom Project.
- Public hearing on Zoning Map Amendment Request
- Zoning Map Amendment Request
- TWSA Board Appointment
- Downtown Public Restroom Project budget amendment
- Resolution authorizing Mayor to sign contract for Downtown Public Restroom Project
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS MEETING
The Board of Adjustments will meet to consider a new business item. The primary focus of the meeting is a zoning variance request from Mountain Modern Construction, LLC.
- Zoning Variance Request from Mountain Modern Construction, LLC
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The Planning Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and review a request to amend the zoning map for the Kinkaid Property located on Hwy 107.
- Zoning Map Amendment Request for Kinkaid Property on Hwy 107
SUPPLEMENTAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a public art proposal and a request for a grant support letter. The body will also schedule a Board of Adjustment meeting.
- Public Art Proposal from Affrilachian Artist Project/Faustine McDonald
- Letter of Support for WATR Water Quality Management Planning Grant Funding
- Scheduling of Board of Adjustment meeting for October 12, 2023
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to consider a resolution of intent for a traffic ordinance amendment and a grant from the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program. The meeting includes discussions on a Safe Haven Box and event street closures.
- NC Governor's Highway Safety Program-Local Government Grant
- Resolution of Intent: Ordinance Amendment Section 36: Traffic
- Safe Haven Box discussion
- Event Street Closure Resolutions
- Proclamation for Constitution Week 2023
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The Planning Board will meet to review and discuss lighting standards. The board will also consider the approval of minutes from the April 27, 2023 meeting.
- Discussion of Lighting Standards
The board considered a request to exempt municipal street lighting in the downtown business district from current downcast lighting requirements due to budget and equipment constraints. The motion to recommend this amendment failed to pass due to a tie vote.
- Approved April 27, 2023, minutes (unanimous)
- Recommendation to exempt downtown municipal street lighting from lighting standards tied (3-3)
SUPPLEMENTAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss civil penalties and a special event request. The meeting includes reports from town departments and the Main Street and Pinnacle Park boards.
- Discussion regarding civil penalties
- Special event request from Ward Plumbing & Heating Co. Picnic, including an alcohol request
The Board of Commissioners recodified ordinances regarding Molotov cocktails and discharging firearms in city limits as misdemeanors. The board also approved a special event request for alcohol at Bridge Park and scheduled a meeting for a candidate forum.
- Recodified discharging a firearm in city limits and Molotov cocktails as misdemeanors (Unanimous)
- Removed section C of chapter 24:38 (Unanimous)
- Approved alcohol request for Ward Plumbing & Heating Company picnic at Bridge Park on October 5 (Unanimous; Brad Waldrop abstained)
- Scheduled a meeting for the September 28 candidate forum at Jackson County Library (Unanimous)
- Approved the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a public restroom lease with Watco. The body will also hold a discussion regarding a taxi ordinance.
- Watco Lease for public restroom
- Taxi Ordinance discussion
The Board approved a long-term lease with Blue Ridge Southern Railroad for public restrooms and voted to remove the town's taxicab ordinance. Staff provided updates on Allen Street construction and new personnel hires.
- Approved 99-year lease with Blue Ridge Southern Railroad for $10,000 (unanimous)
- Approved removal of taxicab ordinance from Town Code of Ordinances (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda, including a $4,000 change order for a storm drop inlet (unanimous)
SUPPLEMENTAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a skate park and a Planning Board appointment. The meeting also includes reports from town departments and the consent agenda.
- Skate Park discussion
- Planning Board appointment
The Board of Commissioners appointed Allison Joseph to fill a vacancy on the Planning Board. The board also discussed potential future improvements and locations for the town skate park.
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
- Appointed Allison Joseph to the Planning Board (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to appoint members to the Planning Board and ABC Board. The body will also review the FY 2023-2024 ABC Board Budget and consider special event requests from local breweries.
- Planning Board Appointment
- ABC Board Chairman Appointment
- FY 2023-2024 ABC Board Budget review
- Innovation Brewing special event request for Farmers Markets
- Balsam Falls Brewing special event request for Concerts on the Creek
The Board of Commissioners appointed David Noland as Chairman of the ABC Board for a one-year term. The Board also approved two requests for alcohol sales at local events. No applications were received for the Planning Board appointment.
- Appointed David Noland as Chairman of the ABC Board for a one-year term expiring June 30, 2024 (Unanimous)
- Approved request for Innovation Brewing to sell alcohol at third Thursday Farmer's Markets (Unanimous)
- Approved request for Balsam Falls Brewing to sell alcohol at Concerts on the Creek on July 28, August 4, August 11, and August 25 (Unanimous)
- Approved agenda (Unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (Unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss and potentially act on the budget ordinance and fee schedule for fiscal year 2023-2024. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the town website.
- FY 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance
- FY 2023-2024 Fee Schedule
- Website discussion
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY 2023-2024 budget ordinance and the FY 2023-2024 fee schedule. The fee schedule update includes a new labor hour charge for the fire department.
- Approved FY 2023-2024 budget ordinance (unanimous)
- Approved FY 2023-2024 fee schedule (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the FY 2023-2024 Budget. The body will also consider contracts for an audit and the Pinnacle Park Master Plan.
- FY 2023-2024 Budget public hearing
- Contract award for Pinnacle Park Master Plan
- Audit contract
- Special event request from Innovation Brewing for Farm to Table Dinner
- Cancellation of June 22, 2023 Regular Board and Planning Board meetings
The Board of Commissioners approved a contract for the Pinnacle Park master plan and an audit contract. They also granted a special event request for alcohol at a dinner and cancelled several upcoming meetings.
- Approved resolution to award Pinnacle Park master plan contract to Equinox up to $150,000 (unanimous)
- Approved audit contract with Burleson & Earley, P.A. for $20,200 (unanimous)
- Approved alcohol request for Innovation Brewing Farm to Table Dinner on October 14, 2023 (unanimous)
- Cancelled June 22, 2023 regular board meeting (unanimous)
- Cancelled June 22, 2023 and July 27, 2023 planning board meetings (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on zoning map amendments and a street closure. The meeting includes the formal presentation of the FY 2023-2024 Budget.
- Zoning Map Amendment Request for COOP Properties (Soltice Partners, LLC)
- Zoning Map Amendment Request for CJ Properties (Edward/Brianne Hudak)
- Street Closure Request for a portion of Pathfinder Lane
- Formal Presentation of FY 2023-2024 Budget
- Community Care Liaison Grant from Great Smokies Health Foundation
The Board of Commissioners approved two zoning amendments to allow for a 48-unit residential development and a private school. Additionally, the board approved the closure of a portion of Pathfinder Lane. The FY 2023-2024 budget was formally presented.
- Approved zoning amendment for COOP Properties to allow a 48-unit multi-family residential development (Unanimous)
- Approved zoning map amendment for CJ Properties to change zoning to Professional Business for a private school (Unanimous)
- Approved closure of a portion of platted but unopened Pathfinder Lane (Unanimous)
- Approved the meeting agenda (Unanimous)
- Approved the consent agenda (Unanimous)
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The Planning Board will meet to discuss two zoning map amendment requests and one street closure request. The board will also review minutes from the February 23, 2023 meeting.
- Zoning Map Amendment Request for CJ Properties (Edward/Brianne Hudak)
- Zoning Map Amendment Request for COOP Properties (Soltice Partners, LLC)
- Street Closure Request for a portion of Pathfinder Lane
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will receive reports from town departments and officials. The meeting includes a closed session to consult with an attorney.
- Closed session for attorney consultation pursuant to G.S 143-318.11(a)(3)
The Board approved the meeting agenda and entered a closed session for legal and contract consultation. No substantive actions or new business were decided during the meeting.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Entered closed session for legal and contract consultation (unanimous)
- Exited closed session with no action taken (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and discuss amendments to ordinances regarding agricultural uses and fees in lieu of sidewalks. The meeting also includes a botanical survey presentation and master plan discussion for Pinnacle Park.
- Public hearing and possible action on Ordinance Amendment--Agricultural Uses
- Public hearing and possible action on Ordinance Amendment--Fee in Lieu of Sidewalks
- Pinnacle Park Botanical Survey presentation
- Pinnacle Park Master Plan discussion
- Planning Board appointment
The Board approved funding for a park master plan and updated zoning ordinances regarding agricultural uses and sidewalk fees. The Board also appointed a new member to the Planning Board and adjusted May meeting schedules.
- Appropriated $50,000 from Fisher Creek General Fund for Pinnacle Park Master Plan (Unanimous)
- Amended Zoning Ordinance Section 5.4.C.1 to remove Downtown Business district restriction and add one-year effective date for allowed hens (3-1)
- Approved Zoning Ordinance Section 4.3.B.9 allowing a fee in lieu of sidewalks for properties impacted by NC 107 construction (Unanimous)
- Appointed Larry Tyson to the Planning Board for a term expiring February 28, 2025 (Unanimous)
- Moved May Planning Board meeting to May 18, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (Unanimous)
- Changed May 25, 2023, regular board meeting time to 5:30 p.m. (Unanimous)
SUPPLEMENTAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a zoning map amendment request for Mill Street. The meeting also includes a proposed resolution to close a portion of Pathfinder Lane.
- Public hearing for Zoning Map Amendment Request on Mill Street
- Action on Zoning Map Amendment Request for Mill Street
- Resolution of Intent to close a portion of Pathfinder Lane
The Board approved a zoning map amendment for the Depot site to allow for the construction of a downtown restroom. The Board also approved a resolution of intent to close a portion of Pathfinder Lane following a request from property owners.
- Approved rezoning of Depot site from General Business to Downtown Business district (unanimous)
- Approved resolution of intent to close a portion of Pathfinder Lane (unanimous)
- Approved sponsorship of Commissioner Guiney's attendance at Outdoor Economy conference at a cost of $379 (consensus)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and discuss a zoning map amendment request from Peggy Revis. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of Commissioner Brad Waldrop and a closed session for the Town Manager's evaluation.
- Zoning Map Amendment Request by Peggy Revis for Cherry Street
- Swearing-in of Commissioner Brad Waldrop
- Personnel evaluation of the Town Manager (Closed Session)
The Board of Commissioners approved a zoning map amendment to change a portion of the property at 144 Cherry Street from High Density Residential to General Business. The board also swore in a new commissioner and held a closed session for the Town Manager's evaluation.
- Approved zoning map amendment for 1.25 acres at 144 Cherry Street to General Business (unanimous)
- Swore in newly appointed Commissioner Brad Waldrop
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss new business and receive departmental reports. Key items include a vacant seat appointment and a request from NCDOT regarding speed limits.
- Appointment to Board of Commissioner vacant seat
- NCDOT request for US Highway 23 speed limit changes
- Proclamation for Victoria Casey-McDonald Day on February 26, 2023
The Board appointed a new commissioner and approved a speed limit reduction on US Highway 23. They also adopted a proclamation for Victoria Casey-McDonald Day.
- Appointed Brad Waldrop to the Town of Sylva Board of Commissioners (3-1)
- Approved lowering the speed limit on US Highway 23 from 45 mph to 35 mph from Teakwood Lane to Hospital Road (unanimous)
- Adopted proclamation declaring February 26, 2023, as Victoria Casey-McDonald Day (unanimous)
- Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Approved the consent agenda (unanimous)
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The Sylva Planning Board will meet to consider a zoning map amendment request and discuss lot size requirements for agricultural uses. The board will also review minutes from the January 26, 2023 meeting.
- Zoning Map Amendment Request for Peggy Revis on Cherry Street
- Discussion of Lot Size Requirements for Agricultural Uses
The Planning Board recommended approval for two zoning map amendments and moved a poultry keeping ordinance to the Town Board. One request involves changing a portion of 144 Cherry Street to General Business, while the other seeks to rezone part of 622 Mill Street to Downtown Business for a public restroom.
- Recommended approval to rezone 1.25 acres of 144 Cherry Street to General Business (unanimous)
- Recommended approval to rezone a portion of 622 Mill Street to Downtown Business (unanimous)
- Motion to send poultry keeping lot size ordinance to Town Board for approval carried (unanimous)
- Approved January 26, 2023, minutes (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS-SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
The Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to address new business. The primary focus of the meeting is the review of applications for a vacancy on the Board.
- Applications for Board Seat Vacancy
The Board of Commissioners met to receive applications for a vacant seat on the Town Council. Three applications were distributed to the board. Voting on the applications is scheduled for the February 23, 2023 meeting.
- Received applications from Guy John Phillips, Jr., Destri Leger, and Brad Waldrop
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will swear in the Mayor and appoint a Mayor Pro-Tem. The body will also fill vacancies on the Planning Board, the Rural Planning Organization, and the Southwestern NC Home Consortium Board of Directors.
- Appointment of Mayor Pro-Tem
- Planning Board appointments
- Special event request for Innovation Brewing 10 Year Anniversary Festival
- Food truck request for Bread Heads Co. to set up on town property
- NC Department of Commerce Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) Memorandum of Understanding
The Board of Commissioners appointed Mary Gelbaugh as Mayor Pro-tempore and David Nestler to two regional boards. The Board also approved a memorandum of understanding for the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) initiative and granted two special event permits.
- Appointed Mary Gelbaugh as Mayor Pro-tempore (unanimous)
- Appointed David Nestler to the Rural Planning Organization (unanimous)
- Appointed David Nestler to the Southwestern NC Home Consortium Board of Directors (unanimous)
- Reappointed Melissa Madrona to the Planning Board through February 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved alcohol service request for Innovation Brewing 10-year anniversary (unanimous)
- Approved Bread Heads Co. food truck request to operate on Town property until 4:00 p.m. Saturdays (unanimous)
- Adopted resolution and approved MOU for NC Dept. of Commerce CORE initiative (unanimous)
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The Planning Board will meet to review and discuss agricultural uses in city limits. The board will also consider the approval of minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting.
- Discussion of agricultural uses in city limits
The Planning Board approved a proposed ordinance for agricultural uses regarding poultry keeping, excluding the Downtown Business district. The board also appointed a new chairman and vice-chairman following a resignation.
- Approved agricultural uses ordinance for poultry keeping with amendment to exclude Downtown Business district (3-1)
- Approved October 27, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
- Appointed Alan Brown as chairman (unanimous)
- Appointed Melissa Madrona as vice-chairman (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a grant from the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program. The body will also consider two special event requests from Innovation Brewing for Greening Up The Mountains and Concerts on the Creek.
- NC Governor's Highway Safety Program-Local Government Grant
- Special Event Request: Innovation Brewing @ Greening Up The Mountains
- Special Event Request: Innovation Brewing @ Concerts on the Creek
The Board appointed David Nestler as Mayor following the resignation of Mayor Lynda Sossamon. The Board also approved a $25,000 traffic safety grant application and alcohol sales requests for Innovation Brewing events.
- Appointed David Nestler as Mayor (unanimous)
- Approved NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program grant application for $25,000 (unanimous)
- Approved Innovation Brewing Beer Garden for Greening Up the Mountains festival (unanimous)
- Approved Innovation Brewing request to sell alcohol at Concerts on the Creek events (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss funding for the Bridge Park Stormwater Project. The board is also reviewing an amended budget calendar for FY 2023-2024.
- Funding for Bridge Park Stormwater Project
- Amended FY 2023-2024 Budget Calendar
- Closed session to consult with attorney
The Board approved a motion to seek TDA grant funding to cover a $340,357 shortfall for the Bridge Park Stormwater Project. The Board also approved an amended FY 2023-2024 budget calendar and decided to continue with a municipal grant application for public art.
- Approved motion to apply for $400,000 TDA grant for Bridge Park Stormwater Project (Unanimous)
- Approved amended FY 2023-2024 budget calendar (Unanimous)
- Decided to continue with the Jackson County municipal grant application for public art
- Approved agenda (Unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda (Unanimous)